KANSAS CITY, Mo. Around Kansas City, there's not a more anticipated yearly event than the Hy-Vee Shootout presented by Metro Sports. Pitting teams from the Kansas side against those from the Missouri side of the metro, it's a fight for state bragging rights and a big stage for players to launch their reputation to the next level. That's exactly what sophomore Clayton Custer did on Saturday.
Clayton Custer is an impressive sophomore.
Custer makes stand
The 2011 Hy-Vee Shootout wasn't Clayton Custer's first appearance in the event. The six-foot tall point guard was impressive last year as a freshman. However, his Overland Park (Kan.) Blue Valley Northwest team was loaded with solid seniors helping to take the pressure off of him.
This year as a sophomore, though, the team is all Custer's and he was clearly embracing the role as he led his team to a 64-50 win over Grandview (Mo.) High.
"Last year we had a lot of talented older players," Custer told Rivals.com. "This year, I need to do a little more. Whatever I need to do. If that means going and getting a bucket or making a play for somebody that's what I'm looking to do."
On Saturday, Custer did all of that. Offensively, he's developing an extra gear off the dribble that he uses to lose defenders and get where he wants to be. His pull-up jumper is a major weapon and pretty much automatic from anywhere between 12 and 17 feet and he distributes the ball with efficiency.
"I've been in the gym getting up a bunch of shots," said Custer after scoring 16 points and dishing out four assists. "I'm working on getting my shot more fluid. I feel like for me to be as good a player as I can be I need to be able to make every shot. I want people to think it's going in every time I shoot it."
College programs have certainly taken notice. On Saturday, Custer was watched by assistants from Kansas State and San Francisco and both schools have offered. Additional offers have come from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Houston while Kansas, Boston College and Illinois have all been in to see him and are keeping tabs.
According to Custer he's already tripped to Kansas State, Kansas, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State and he'll be looking to hit some college games this winter. But, he's in no rush with his recruitment and is just focusing on his game.
"I feel like some kids kind of stop working hard when they start getting offers," said Custer. "For me, the attention just drives me to get even better. People are expecting a lot from me when they come to see me now.
